Brain gym activities classroom series#
Brain gym activities classroom free#

Jumping will give proprioceptive input for the brain – very organizing and alerting.

Please make sure students are being safe start with slow spinning until they gain better control.

Spinning around is a great way to alert the vestibular (movement system) for learning.

Arm circles will help with posture, blood flow and body awareness.

Students will need to stand up at their desk (chairs pushed in for safety.) Make sure counting is rhythmical and consistent for both sides of the body.

(It could be placed in a page protector with the exercise guide on the back.)Įxplanations and Tips for Completing the Brain Break Exercises The second page is just a guide with explanations if needed. I created two pages… you only need the first page displayed / handy in your classroom. Then, the leader of the day / week can take charge of the exercise sequence (as you’re grabbing items needed for the test / lesson!) You can teach and lead your students the first couple of times.

Brain gym activities classroom series#

The entire series will take less than two minutes so it’s easy to plug into your schedule. The brain break exercises can be done before a test or before any important learning activity. I’m sure you’re seeing that your students need something extra in order to help them focus as well! They recognized how beneficial the info and strategies would be for ALL of their students before lessons and tests! I briefly explained activities including some of the exercises listed in my printable. They were young and eager teachers – excited to get together – even if we didn’t have much time to meet during their busy day. The teachers wanted to talk to me about using more sensory strategies and exercises with their students. The school where they taught had an EXCELLENT special education program.

I’ll never forget meeting with two learning support teachers during their prep time. This makes it very challenging for you in the classroom! They need more input through different systems of the body in order for the brain to focus.Īnd, their bodies are different than they used to be – play is very different now! Less outdoor play time, not as much creativity, decreased opportunities to use the hands for play… and the worst part: increased screen use! It’s constantly taking in information both inside and outside of your body and it has to process, organize and respond to the information – at an incredibly rapid pace!Ĭhildren’s nervous systems are less mature. Your brain is an extremely adaptive organ.

Have you heard of the term “Use it or lose it”? Very true! That’s how your brain works! The Pyramid of Learning shows how the sensory systems are the foundation for academics.

Brain gym activities classroom free#

Sensory-based classroom exercises such as the series in this free printable, stimulate more areas of the brain for enhanced learning. The movements ‘wake up’ the brain and help strengthen learning pathways. Specific movements help different parts of the brain communicate better. I’m fascinated by the nervous system and its impact on learning, attending and behaving!Īs a therapist working in the schools, I ALWAYS encourage teachers to incorporate specific movements and exercises into daily routines.Ī child’s brain needs prepared for learning. Over the years of working as a pediatric occupational therapist, I’ve been so drawn to sensory integration. When you’re searching, you probably see terms like Brain Gym, Brain Breaks, Brain-Based Learning, etc. There are several brain-based learning activities, exercises and programs online. Moving a variety of body parts means stimulating more parts of the brain – creating stronger pathways and connections for enhanced learning! This FREE Brain Break handout provides a great combination of exercises to get your student ready for learning.